Frequently Asked Questions About Websites for Businesses
Do I really need a website for my business?
I think a question I would have to ask in response to your question would be, “Do you want to reach your target market where they are?” I’m 97% sure that your prospective customers, clients or business partners are looking online for what you offer. Why am I not 100% sure? Because there is still that very small percentage of people that do not use a computer (gasp!). For some of us who spend a great deal of time on our computers and on the internet this is hard to believe.
The point is that if you want to be found by people looking for what you have to offer, it is crucial that you own a bit of online real estate. If you aren’t on the internet, how will your prospects find you? Answer: they won’t, but they will find your competitor.
So if I have a website, my business is going to increase?
There are two answers to that question: yes and no. Getting a website for your business doesn’t mean your customers or prospects are going to instantly find you and do business with you. It doesn’t happen overnight. There are certain actions that should be taken to get people to your site, to let them know about your site in the first place. Having an email list with a reputable service provider is one great place to start. Do NOT send bulk emails from a program on your computer or from your personal email account.
You can use direct mail or free social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or YouTube to build relationships online and direct people to your new site. Having a website should just be part of your overall marketing strategy.
I agree that I’m missing out on business and exposure to potential customers because I don’t have a website. Can I use a free blog or website or one of those site builder programs offered by GoDaddy or Yahoo?
Again I have to say that there are two answers, yes and no, but the correct answer for you personally will depend on the results you want and how you want your business to be perceived. It’s true that there are plenty of free sites and template based programs available from many providers, even Google. Yes, you can use those websites if you don’t care what people think about you and your business.
However, if you want to be perceived as professional, trustworthy, credible, stable, experienced, and reliable, you would not use any free or super low-cost website hosting or template based website program. First, these usually come with ads or links to other services or the service provider. The point of your website is to get people to know you and your products or services, not someone else’s. Second, they programs are usually limited in features and functionality.
Third, you lack control in not only getting your website to look the way you want and need it to, but 99% of the time they are very unprofessional. Fourth, they have a basic back-end that does not lend itself well to helping you get found organically online (through search engines). Fifth, it sends the message that you are cheap and your business isn’t doing well. Ouch! I know that last one hurt, but I have to be real if I am going to be of any help to you.
If you want to be successful, you need convey success and integrity in everything that you do – that means your website. You don’t have to spend $5,000 or even $1,000, maybe not even $800 to have a nice professional website that accurately represents you, your business, your mission or your products or services, but you do want to invest wisely when it comes to your design, your branding, and your time.
I don’t have a big budget, but I know I want a website so I can be found online. Can you create a professional website that gets my information online within a small budget that is less than $500?
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on what you would like on your website. If you only want one to three pages of information with no interactivity or special functionality, it is likely that we can work within your budget. It’s even more likely if you have your own photos, logo, and website content ready to go. Even if you don’t have your own photos or a logo, we can still work within your budget.
Here’s the good news, if you want your website to start off basic and stick to a small budget, that is great. At least you are getting yourself online! The good news is that you can always add to your website later. We can add functionality, interactivity, a blog, video or photo slideshow, etc. at any time. We can also set you up on an automatic payment plan.
I know I want a website, but I’m not really sure what I want or need on it since I’m just getting started in business. Can you help with the whole process?
Absolutely! A big part of what Kimball Design & Marketing does is helping new business owners get started right and avoid alot of major mistakes newbies tend to make. When you contact us for a consultation, mention that you’d like to make an appointment for the $20 Newbie Consult and you’ll get a full 30-minute meeting where you can share what you want to do and gain some ideas, suggestions, and a plan for moving forward – not just with your website, but with your overall business.
What website design and blog services do you offer?
Kimball Design & Marketing offers many website and blog design and setup services. Don’t want to write the content for your site or weekly blog posts? We can even do that for you! Whether you want a brand new website starting from scratch or want to re-do an existing website, we can help. Call us if you have something specific in mind and don’t see it listed below.
- Easy to Manage Website, Design & Setup with Training
- Blog Setup, Design, and Training
- Complete Design, Setup & Management of Website
- Social Media Integration with Website (Twitter & Facebook Page)
- Membership Site Setup and Management (sell access to content)
- Domains, Online Storage, Website Hosting, SSL Certificates, eCommerce, and more
